ISIS Operative Enjoyed VIP Treatment In Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Jail: Probe Reveals

Last Updated:November 08, 2025, 14:46 IST

Zuhab Hameed Shakeel Manna, accused of recruiting youth for the global terror outfit, was reportedly living in unusual comfort behind bars.

Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Prison (Photo: Social Media)

An investigation uncovered serious irregularities at Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Jail, where an ISIS operative was allegedly granted VIP-style privileges despite being lodged in a high-security block. Zuhab Hameed Shakeel Manna, accused of recruiting youth for the global terror outfit, was reportedly living in unusual comfort behind bars. Sources said he had access to a smartphone and was using it freely- an extraordinary breach for a high-risk inmate.

The revelations triggered widespread concern and raised questions about oversight, internal collusion and systemic failure inside one of Karnataka’s most closely monitored prisons. The controversy intensified after viral videos surfaced on social media showing inmates enjoying facilities far beyond standard prison norms. Director General of Prisons B. Dayananda ordered a detailed inquiry and instructed officials to verify footage that allegedly features high-profile inmates Umesh Reddy and Tarun Raju.

Read more: Probe Ordered After Reports Of Bengaluru Inmates Using Phones, Watching TV In Jail

According to reports, Tarun Raju- an accused in a major gold smuggling racket- has been living a “carefree life" inside the jail, with access to a mobile phone and a television setup in his cell. Another inmate, serial offender Umesh Reddy, is also seen in videos speaking on two Android phones, with sources claiming his cell includes a television and even provisions to cook meals of his choice.

The scrutiny around Tarun Raju’s alleged privileges also renewed focus on the massive gold smuggling case in which Kannada actress Ranya Rao is a key accused. Ranya Rao was arrested on March 4 after the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 127.3 kg of smuggled gold at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. While she was initially granted bail, her release was blocked after the COFEPOSA Act was invoked. In September, the DRI issued show-cause notices demanding penalties of ₹102.55 crore from Ranya Rao and ₹62 crore from Tarun Raju- who is lodged in Parappana Agrahara- along with ₹53 crore each from co-accused Sahil Jain and Bharat Jain.

News india ISIS Operative Enjoyed VIP Treatment In Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Jail: Probe Reveals

Read More